Walden Ch.9 The Ponds

Walden Ch.9 The Ponds

1. The Pond's Meaning

   • Thoreau describes the pond as "clear" and "pure"
     • Emphasizes the spiritual purification that Thoreau previously expressed
   • Expresses Walden pond's "transparency"
     • The pond reflects one's true self
   • Expresses that Walden is capable of spiritual enlightenment

2. Other Ponds in Comparison

   • Flint Pond is nowhere near Walden or White
     • The pond is named after a person, and a person can never be as great as a pond
   • White Pond is the smaller twin of Walden
     • The waters are just as pure, but the pond has no human obstructions
   • None of the other ponds can completely compare to Walden

3. Heaven/Divinity

   • Walden's reflectiveness and transparency make it divine
     • It is a place between heaven & Earth
     • Thoreau expresses that it may actually be heaven on Earth